The measure would lower drug prices for state agencies. Big drug companies are so terrified, they’ve ponied up an astounding $109 million to fight it.
Source: Big Pharma Paid LGBT Groups and Others That Opposed California Drug-Price Ballot Measure
Month: October 2016
Hollywood Accounting Back In Court: How Has Spinal Tap Only Earned $81 In Merchandise Sales For Its Creators? | Techdirt
We’ve discussed the amazing bullshit known as Hollywood Accounting many times here on Techdirt. This is the trick whereby big Hollywood studios basically get out of paying anyone royalties by claiming movies (including big, mega-famous ones) are not profitable. The most simple version of this trick is that the big studio sets up an independent corporation to represent “the film.” It then “sells” services to that corporation, which it owns, at exorbitant prices. So, for example, it will charge a “marketing and distribution fee,” which may actually be many multiples of the film’s actual budget. No cash changes hands here. It’s just a paper transaction, but because of those “fees” any money made from the film remains with the big Hollywood studio, and is not passed on to anyone who has “participation” in the net profits from the film.
Video: Police Viciously Attacked Peaceful Protesters at the Dakota Access Pipeline
Peaceful marchers protesting the Dakota Access pipeline were viciously attacked by police.
Source: Video: Police Viciously Attacked Peaceful Protesters at the Dakota Access Pipeline
For ripping off Medicaid, EpiPen maker Mylan pays Feds $465 million | Ars Technica
In settlement, Mylan doesn’t admit guilt for misclassifying life-saving device.
Source: For ripping off Medicaid, EpiPen maker Mylan pays Feds $465 million | Ars Technica
Prenda lawyers’ careers are up in smoke, but sanctions keep coming | Ars Technica
In 2013, Prenda lashed out against blog commenters who called them “assclowns.”
Source: Prenda lawyers’ careers are up in smoke, but sanctions keep coming | Ars Technica
Major New Court Ruling Says “Even The President” Can’t Declare Torture Lawful
The ruling reinstates a lawsuit against a military contractor for its role in the torture of four men at the notorious Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Source: Major New Court Ruling Says “Even The President” Can’t Declare Torture Lawful
Meanwhile, in America: Half of adults’ faces are in police databases • The Register
‘It is out of control,’ think tank thinks
Source: Meanwhile, in America: Half of adults’ faces are in police databases • The Register
Pacemaker maker St Jude faces new security flaw claims from biz short-selling its stock
This is not the way to get vulnerabilities fixed
Source: Pacemaker maker St Jude faces new security flaw claims from biz short-selling its stock
Court finds GCHQ and MI5 engaged in illegal bulk data collection • The Register
I don’t believe it! The mad lads have only gone and won a legal case against the spooks!
Source: Court finds GCHQ and MI5 engaged in illegal bulk data collection • The Register
Donald Trump’s Son & Campaign Manager Both Tweet Obviously Fake Story | Techdirt
Here’s the thing, though. If you actually look at the story, it’s so obviously fake. I mean, first off, just the claim that a protestor got $3500 to protest a Trump rally? I mean, even Donald Trump himself only paid his fake supporters $50 to cheer at his campaign announcement. Yes, the Clinton campaign has raised a lot more money than the Trump campaign, but $3500 a protestor? I mean, that’s pretty obviously a ridiculous number.
Source: Donald Trump’s Son & Campaign Manager Both Tweet Obviously Fake Story | Techdirt